Nose
Its bouquet is rich and fragrant with primary blackberry, mulberry and tomato leaf intensity. Layers of dark chocolate, damp earth, dried herb and floral notes add intrigue. Cigar box and mocha oak round out the nose without dominating.
Palate
palate has grace and power. Youthful dark berry, blackcurrant and raisin toast fruit intensity leads through the front and mid palate to layers of fine grained powdery and emery tannins. Power grows through the finish which is exceptionally long with red fruits, mocha and chocolate layers.
Growing Conditions
growing season started with the dry winter of 2007 leaving many dams at below adequate levels for comfort for the forthcoming growing season. Fortunately, the spring was wet and cool which preserved soil moisture. However, the flipside was that berry set was compromised in Cabernet Sauvignon and the smaller bunch weights were reflected in lower yields.
The later spring and early summer was even and warm without the heat spikes experienced in the eastern states. Shoot growth was even and there was excellent ripening potential in the canopies for the moderate yields.
Winemaking
ermentation occurred in static stainless steel fermenters with highly aerative pumpovers 2 – 4 times daily. The Cabernet Sauvignon was given between 15 and 30 days on skins after completion of fermentation to further develop the tannin profile prior to going to French oak barriques; up to 50% new, 30% 1 year old and the balance 2 years old. The wine was matured in the barrel for approximately 18 months and after minimal fining and filtration were performed, was bottled.
Appearance
Dark red to black colour.
